Inverness student uses own savings to help others in need
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An Inverness student is using his own savings to make sure no-one goes without in the city.
Andy Mcphee (29) has been inundated with requests for basic food and household items after taking to social media offering to help wherever he could.
Mr Mcphee, who is planning to study graphic design at Inverness College UHI, felt he had to do something after hearing first-hand the anguish of one elderly woman who could not get toilet roll for herself and her husband.
He said: “I have always had a soft spot for older people and I could not bear it when I overheard an elderly lady saying that she was struggling to get what she needed.”
After hearing of her plight, he decided he wanted to share what he had with her.
He said: “I managed to pull together a pack and take it to her.
“It was then that I realised that I had other things that I could help even more people with. I do not have much, but I am happy to share what I have.
“There are hundreds, if not thousands of people, in the city who need our help. We are fit and strong and it is the right thing to do to make sure people have everything that they need.”
When asked how much he was charging for the packs, Mr Mcphee said: “Nothing. They are free. I had some savings set aside for university and I am using that.
“I am getting to the shops in the morning and picking up the things that I can find. I don’t want to take too much from the shops as I understand that other people are looking for things as well.”
Because he does not drive, Mr Mcphee has enlisted the help of his sister Emma to deliver the items to people’s homes.
He said: “Other people have started to help me out as well. So at first I was only taking packs with household essentials including soap, gloves, hankies, toilet rolls, candles – in case the lights go out – and hand wash. But we have now started to put in basic food items as well.”
He continued: “People are needing help, and I am happy to use my savings to help them.
“We are all in this together, and we will all get through this if we work together.”
Mr Mcphee can be contacted on Faceboook via his own page, or through the Acts of Kindness Inverness and Highlands group. Mr Mcphee is also happy to be contacted on 07494 949843.
